Finance Lead

Join to apply for the Finance Lead role at Downer Professional Services Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Provided pay range This range is provided by Downer Professional Services. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range A$129,000.00/yr - A$174,000.00/yr Join our Downer Professional Services team and play a key role in delivering complex defence and national security projects that safeguard Australia’s future. Downer Professional Services comprises of three business units our Technical, Advisory, and Capability consulting practice, and Team Downer , which partners with CASG and NSSG as a major service provider to Defence . Together, we are a multi-disciplinary advisory and delivery partner of choice for clients across Defence and National Security. We currently have an opportunity for a Finance Lead in Canberra to work on MIWS projects. What You’ll Do This role offers a broad scope, with key role responsibilities including: Leadership & Strategic Advice : Provide guidance to the Project Support Officer – Finance and deliver strategic financial advice to support project decision-making. Financial Management & Compliance : Manage project finances, budgets, and ledgers while ensuring methodologies comply with legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks. Reporting & Forecasting : Produce financial reports, variance analysis, and forecasting to support project oversight and accountability. Audit & Risk Oversight : Assist with internal/external audits, identify financial risks, and ensure reconciliations align with government cost models and accounting systems. Project Deliverables : Coordinate budget estimates and additional estimates, deliver end-of-month reporting, and provide updated EOFY budget forecasts. What You’ll Bring Leadership & Team Guidance : Ability to lead and mentor finance staff, providing direction and oversight to ensure accurate financial operations. Strategic Financial Management : Expertise in delivering financial advice, managing project budgets, ledgers, and forecasts to support business decision-making. Compliance & Governance Knowledge : Strong understanding of legislative, policy, and regulatory frameworks, with experience adjusting finance methodologies to maintain compliance. Analytical & Reporting Skills : Proficiency in preparing variance reports, conducting investigations, producing financial reports, and coordinating budget estimates and additional estimates. Risk & Stakeholder Engagement : Skilled in identifying financial risks, reconciling accounts, approving invoices/payments, and collaborating with contract managers and stakeholders to ensure financial integrity. Due to the nature of the work, you are required to currently hold and maintain a minimum Negative Vetting 1 or higher Security clearance as required by the Commonwealth. In some instances, compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements may also be an inherent requirement. More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients. Why Downer Professional Services At Downer Professional Services , we’re not just a workplace - we’re a business dedicated to contributing to the shaping of the future of defence in Australia. As the country’s only sovereign prime, we’re committed to making a real difference in protecting Australia’s interests. What it means to belong at Downer Professional Services Meaningful work: Help to deliver critical Defence projects that protect Australia and shape its future. Professional development: Access career mapping, accelerated learning programs, and shared learning through our Communities of Practice. Great perks: Enjoy discounts on healthcare, retail, vehicles, and more through Veteran support: Benefit from initiatives like up to 20 days of Reservist Leave to stay connected post-service. You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you. As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it. If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward. Seniority Level Associate Employment Type Full-time Job Function Finance #J-18808-Ljbffr